I Didn't Know Distance Before Now.

Music pumping through my car speakers finally speaks the line I need to hear to make sense of what I feel. They can take the kids from the summer, but they'll never take the summer from me. That one time I met you, that day the infamy of everything you were was in front of my own face; nothing can take it away from me. The hours I spend chatting with you and miserably attempting to shoot pool, and the countless more I spent in random, hilarious conversation with you are forever in my memory. I wanted so bad to see you again.

I wanted so badly to make a summer tradition of going to a place so many miles away and feeling like I belonged. You were one of the faces that stood out in my memory. You have been responsible for countless smiles, laughs, and profanities. You never did believe me when I told you I loved you most, you punk. So maybe I'll have to wait a little longer for that personal skateboard/falling down a lot lesson. So I guess I won't get to sneak attack and touch your hair with my best friend even though you told us not to again. Words can't describe how completely devastating it is to know that the one day I spent with you will be the only one in my living days. But I had the privilege of knowing you. I was acquainted with the kid notorious for being half asshole, half sweet heart, and 100% redhead.

Every conversation I had with you is a blessing. It's an honor that I can say I knew someone like you, because anyone who knows you knows that seriously, no one will ever be like you. Anyone can say they're an individual, but you.. it's undeniable. Friendship meant everything to you, and I'm keeping every single one of the people close to you in my heart. You'd be so proud that you brought one of my friendships together again. You would've done anything you cold to keep friendships strong, and you did. You reminded me who matters to me. I'm sorry this had to happen for me to realize. I wish so bad it didn't, and I wish I could call you and tell you instead.

I'm searching for the reason in all this. You were a positive force in so many lives. I know your last memory had to be a serene one, surrounded by your best friends on that quiet road. I see you in the stars. I won't believe that I won't see you again someday. I know you'll have that macaroni contest when we're all together again, and then we'll kick it and have the party we always talked about. Even now, you can't say I'm lying when I say I love you, and I miss you. I'll be missing you every day, with every Nirvana song on the radio, and every glimpse of the color red. Even one thousand miles away, people miss you. The three crazy Indianer girls that fought for your eternal affection will never forget the way you laughed at our accents. The distance is a little greater now, but it's nothing that can keep us from smiling at every second you lit up our screens, phones, and faces.

The fact that I can't see your face in this life anymore won't stop me from missing you. We're going to remember you the right way, know that. Even if we couldn't be there in body, our hearts are with you, with your friends. They can't take the summer from me. They can't take your memory from me. It's not fair that you're gone so young, but I'm so thankful I could know you. I wish I could've heard that sexy man voice one last time, or talked to you long enough if only to tell you that I missed you. I'll be visiting you the best way I can; you can count on it. My mind is filed with pictures of you and red flowers on my best friend's doorstep, because for some crazy reason that's where my dream brought you. Waking up was cruel, and my dream doorstep is the only place I can find you now.

I can't say enough how much I miss you. Thank you, Betty, for being my friend. Thank you for being the funniest person I've ever met, and my favorite redhead, always. Every day I remember a new story, and as my friends and I share them, every stab of pain is worth having had the chance to know you. The stories that make me smile are worth the tears that come along with them. I love you, and you better not fight me on that. :- )

I miss you, and I will every day. Thank you for the love you gave to me.

Alexander George Betty
10/5/92- 4/27/09
Thank you for being a part of my life, sugar. <3